FOND DU LAC, Wis. - The Ripon volleyball team looked as if it would cruise to an easy victory in their season opening game at Marian University Wednesday night, winning the first two sets in convincing fashion. Things got interesting after that when Marian took the second two sets, but the Red Hawks were able to bounce back in what was a back-and-forth fifth set, winning the match 25-12, 25-13, 23-25, 25-27, 18-16.

Ripon (1-0) recorded at least 12 kills in each set, finishing the match with a hitting percentage of .327. Katie Berrell led the way with a career-high 22 kills, to go along with eight digs and two block assists. Emily Gary was second on the team with 16 kills, which moves her into eighth on Ripon's career list. Gary also finished with a hitting percentage of .414, and a team-high three blocks. Setting both of them up all night was Abbi Williamson, who tied a career-high with 57 assists, which is tied for fourth in school history for a single match. That also moves the junior into fifth on Ripon's career assists list. In addition to that, Williamson also recorded 11 kills against the Sabres (0-1) with a hitting percentage of .529. Leading Ripon's defense was freshman Kendra Holte, who recorded 17 digs.

Marian finished the match with a hitting percentage of .195. They were led by Jessica Roberts' 19 kills. Catelyn Brehm recorded 16 kills and nine digs, while Amber Baker led the Sabres in both assists (38) and digs (14).

The Red Hawks will try to continue their early season success this weekend when they'll take part in the UW-Platteville Tournament. Ripon will face UW-Platteville and Westminster (Mo.) on Friday at 4 and 6 p.m. in Platteville, Wis.
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